Why read Privateers of the Revolution?

Book cover of Privateers of the Revolution: War on the New Jersey Coast, 1775-1783

Book description

A revelatory narrative of the 538 Pennsylvania and New Jersey privateers, privately owned ships of war some called pirates. Manned by over 18,000 men, these privateers influenced the fight for American independence. From the halls of Congress to the rough waterfronts of Delaware River and Bay to the remote privateering…

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American history

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Why read it?

1 author picked Privateers of the Revolution as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

David A. Welker

Author

I love that this book is a great way to enjoy a sea story while learning something new. That is, it answers a great, overlooked question of the American Revolution – how did the Colonies keep their economies alive after breaking from England, their major trading partner?

This hidden gem tells the story of how New Jersey privateers—commercial vessels operating like warships—kept goods flowing to and from the mid-Atlantic colonies while also depriving England of profits from these voyages.

Best of all, however, is that much of this great book reads like a series of rollicking sea stories, with ship…

From David's 3 favorite reads in 2023.